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Cheer on the runners, and their cause

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published July 29, 2006

LECANTO - Hot air balloon rides, food, live music and games will all be part of the welcome-home activities for the runners of the Key Training Center.

The runners, completing a weeklong trip from Tallahassee, will cross the finish line at noon today at the Key Training Center, State Road 44 and Van Nortwick Road, Lecanto.

The scene is familiar to most Citrus residents: Runners are surrounded by the Key Center's program participants and supporters.

A contingent of fire engines and the Citrus County Shriners' red Indy cars and clowns will be part of the runners' arrival.

Yes, it will probably be unbearably hot, but keep in mind, the runners have had it much worse. So the least you can do is wander the grounds of the Key Center awhile and take in some of the events:

- The fifth annual Human Foosball Tournament features teams with creative uniforms playing on an inflatable field. The double elimination tournament begins at 10 a.m.

- Buy a hamburger or hot dog lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5.

- Country music singer Jesse Watson hosts "Jammin' With Jesse" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the educational and recreational building.

- It's not a high ride, but you can hop aboard a tethered hot air balloon and slowly rise 20 feet in the air. Cost is $5.

- Ongoing activities include facility tours, carnival games, a misting tent, dunk tank, clowns, refreshments, and antique motorcycles and autos.

All proceeds will benefit the Key Training Center, which provides mentally challenged adults with year-round services that including education, day training, vocational training, supported and full employment, recreation, life sustaining care, residential and community care.

If you want to join in on the fun but prefer to stay indoors, watch the Key Center Telethon on WYKE-TV Channel 47 Channel 16 on cable from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The telethon is hosted by Neale Brennan and Dennis Miller. To make a pledge, call 795-4919.

"It is just exciting and it gets inside of you," Brennan said.

She has been a host of the telethon since its inception 19 years ago. She recalls the early days, when it was held in a smaller studio.

"And it was all live. You'd have wrestlers followed by musicians, and people would be laying down wrestling mats while the musicians were getting ready in another part.

"Our new studio is so much better. We have better cameras. We can see ourselves in the monitors. We have waiting rooms for the guests."

Brennan recalled one telethon when the phone lines went out and pledges could not be received.

"We were disappointed, but (Key Center director) Chet Cole gathered us together and told us that the money wasn't important," Brennan said. "The important thing was getting the Key Center story out, which we did."

In other weekend events:

- Comedian Johnny Watson will headline at 8:30 p.m. today at Giggles Comedy Club at the Bella Oasis Hotel and Spa, 4076 S Suncoast Blvd., in Homosassa Springs. The featured act will be Joe Conte. Tickets are $7. Doors open for dinner at 7:30. Call 628-4311 for information.

- Playhouse 19 presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona as its summer education program. Theater students Micheil McElvey and Joshua Rigdon are directing and will offer workshops on Shakespearean theater. Call 563-1333 for show times and ticket prices. Playhouse 19 is at 865 N Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. 19), Crystal River. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, will present vocalist Peter Columbo and special guest Shirley Button at 7 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 and are available only at the box office. Call 683-5113 for information.

- The Fabulous '50s and '60s Revue" opens today and continues through Sept. 17 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, and 1:30 p.m. some Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and full cash bar. Dinner and show, $42.50; show, $31.45; ages 12 and younger, $24.95 and $19.95, plus tax and tip. Call toll-free, 1-888-655-7469.

- Tenspoke Indies (formerly Harry Dash) will perform at 10:30 tonight at the premiere of the band's video, Make Me Want You, at the Bourbon Street Concert Club, 4431 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Opening acts, beginning at 8 p.m., are Again & Again, Kingsfoil and Trace of Day. Admission is $3 in advance, $5 at the door, $7 under 21.

- Florida Estates Winery will host a wine festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m today. The winery is at 25241 State Road 52 (4 miles west of I-75) near Land O'Lakes. The event will include food vendors, arts and crafts, live music and wine product samplings. Admission is free. Call (813) 996-2113 or visit www.floridaestateswines.com for information.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 28, 2006, 22:33:54]